Sharing Spoon

ABSTRACT

An article for extracting various viscous fluids and granular materials from a jar comprising a long shaft handle with a bowl at one end; the shaft passes through an annular grommet in the center of the container lid. When the shaft is lifted, the neck of the spoon moves through the grommet freely and the shoulder of the spoon lifts the container lid off the container. Contents of the container are then spooned out and when the bowl of the spoon is reinserted into the container, the lid slides down the shaft and back onto the container.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority status from Provisional Application No. 62/750,716, filed on Oct. 25, 2018.

BACKGROUND Background

While at campsites, picnics, indoor/outdoor social events, etc., food is commonly served in self-serve communal containers. The containers are often left exposed to weather, insects, dirt, and other debris. Open containers can lead to food becoming cross-contaminated with bacteria, along with being exposed to humidity and drying out. Standard serving spoons may be left to rest on the edge of the container; however, the spoon often slides down into the food and must be picked out. A suitable solution is desired.

Solution

The present invention provides users with a uniquely-designed food/beverage container featuring a spoon integrated within the lid, offering a convenient serving method directly from the container. The device allows individuals to utilize the same spoon to consistently serve food from the container to prevent germs and bacteria from being cross-contaminated with the food. It utilizes a rubber grommet to protect and help the spoon's motion through the center of the lid. The product enables users to re-cover the container each time food is scooped from within, eliminating the worry of flies, dirt, and other debris from contaminating the food. The present invention functions as a safe and secure self-serving container at restaurants, at home, at social events, campsites, picnics, and much more.

Detailed Description of Invention

Referring now to FIG. 1, the Sharing Spoon is an improved self-serving container for foods and liquids. The container is comprised of a glass cylindrical unit equipped with a metal lid. The lid features an annular rubber grommet through a hole in the center designed to accommodate a spoon. In this way, the spoon is integrated directly with the container. Users can apply the lid to the container and allow the spoon to sit within a stored food or liquid product. When a user wishes to serve food, the lid can be unscrewed and the spoon can be utilized to spoon out a desired amount. Once finished, the user can simply reapply the lid and allow the spoon to sit inside the container. The combination spoon and lid keep food more protected than a typical serving bowl, while preventing cross-contamination.

The Sharing Spoon can be constructed using plastic, wood, metal, rubber, and other suitable materials. The spoon may measure approximately 7-8″ in total length. Exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary upon manufacturing.

A spoon is a device that is used to extract various viscous fluids and granular materials from a vessel such as a jar or container, and then used to exude the fluids or granular materials onto another surface.

FIG. 1 shows a spoon with a shaft 1, flat shoulder 2, and bowl 3. The spoon shaft passes through an annular grommet 5 inside a hole in the lid 4. The spoon is used by scooping viscous fluids or granular materials. The fluid or material is then extracted and moved to another surface. Said spoon can be made of metal, plastic, or wood, depending on the user's preference.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spoon with an integral lid for closing the top of a container.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a spoon with an integral lid for engaging with the fluid-carrying container.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a spoon with an integral lid combined with a container for holding fluids or granules.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a spoon with an integral lid and a container or lid with which the spoon engages.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after studying the following disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of the integral lid spoon 1-5 and container of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the integral lid spoon 1-4 of the present invention in use.

FIG. 3 is a complete view of the spoon 1-3 separate from the molded lid 4 with the annular grommet 5 through the center.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the lid 4 and the annular rubber grommet 5.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an integral lid spoon includes: a shaft ending in a bowl with a shoulder above the bowl that extends perpendicularly to the shaft. The shoulder, upon interaction with the lid, serves as a platform for the lid to sit on as it is lifted off the jar. The bowl can be various sizes and can be used with a container.

The cylindrical shaft at the other end passes through an annular rubber grommet through the center of the lid of a container. The lid can be made of metal or plastic. The one-piece lid fits any container. The lid is then screwed onto the top of the jar, with the spoon retained by the lid and rubber grommet.

Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon studying these disclosures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

To further illustrate the present invention, the construction and operation of the preferred embodiment will be described. The description of the preferred embodiment is provided merely to further illustrate the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any fashion.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of the integral lid spoon 1-5 and container of the present invention. Shaft 1 terminates in a spoon end, which begins with a shoulder 2 and ends with a bowl 3. Said bowl can vary in size. Said spoon 1-3 can be made of wood, metal, or plastic, with the stipulation that the shaft 1 fits through the rubber grommet 5 with only enough space to allow the shaft 1 to move through freely. Too much space around the shaft 1 within the grommet 5 would defeat the purpose of the grommet, meant to seal out contamination, insects, and elements. Upon scooping, the bowl 3 of the spoon is removed from the fluid or granular material in the jar and the contents of said bowl are moved onto another surface, such as a plate. When finished scooping and serving, the bowl of the spoon is returned to the jar and the lid 4 slides down the shaft 1, covering the container.

Conventionally, a serving spoon is placed back in the container with the spoon shaft leaning and extending out against the edge of the jar, preventing the jar from sealing and allowing access to dirt and insects to the contents. Alternatively, the spoon is taken out and the jar is sealed. The spoon risks contamination or is washed each time, with a large amount of jar contents being washed off. Fluid and sometimes granular material is wasted by using conventional spoons for these reasons. The present invention solves these and other problems associated with serving spoons.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the integral lid spoon 1-4 of the present invention in use. Cylindrical shaft 1 culminates at the spoon shoulder 2 and the bowl 3. Shaft 1 which along with the rest of the preferably one piece integral lid spoon 1-3 is preferably made of wood but may be made of any suitable material such as other woods, plastic or metal. The shaft 1 is gripped and lifted, sliding through the rubber grommet 5 such that the spoon shoulder 2 when lifted catches the underside of the lid 4 removing the lid as the bowl 3 emerges. When the bowl 3 has been emptied onto another surface and is dropped down into the container, the lid 4 slides down the shaft and sits or can be screwed onto the container.

FIG. 3 shows a complete view of the spoon 1-3 separate from the molded lid 4 with the annular grommet 5 through the center. This view shows these components separately, to demonstrate how said parts can be isolated in order to be washed. To reassemble, the shaft 1 can be slid through the grommet from the underside of the lid 4.

FIG. 4 shows a side perspective view of the lid 4 and the annular rubber grommet 5. Said grommet can be removed from the lid, for cleaning purposes. Said grommet 5 is a ring inserted into a hole in the molded lid 4. The grommet 5 is collared on each side to keep it in place and is made of rubber. It is used to prevent tearing or abrasion of the pierced lid or protection from abrasion of the spoon being routed through the hole, and to cover sharp edges of the hole, or all the above.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for extracting various viscous fluids and granular materials, said apparatus comprising a shaft handle with a spoon at one end, said spoon comprised of a bowl, neck and a shoulder at the bottom of the shaft; said shoulder consisting of a flat surface perpendicular to the shaft and parallel to the lid through which the shaft slides; said shaft slides through an annular grommet in the center of a vessel lid; said lid comprising an enclosure with a hole through the middle; said hole contains the annular grommet. The shaft moves freely until the spoon shoulder engages the lid, lifting the lid off the vessel. Said lid and said handle being made of a rigid material; when the spoon enters the vessel, said lid engages said vessel, forming a seal and containing said spoon in said vessel.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rigid material is selected from the group consisting of wood, metal, and rigid plastic. 